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On-campus, intensive and highly specialized courses

Water Policy

workshop at IHE Delft

Why are so many water and environmental issues not prominent on political agendas? Why are so many policy plans not implemented (fully)? How can we learn from implementation? In this course we introduce you to ways of understanding the complexities of policy and offer approaches to deal with it.

For whom?

Mid-career professionals working in a water policy domain (national, flood, basin, urban, irrigation system, etc.), working at public/private organisations, academia or NGOs. The course is specifically for people without a background in policy sciences, but who are involved in policy (e.g. as expert policy advisors, planners, implementers, evaluators, etc.).

Course content

In the course we introduce the students to theories of the policy process and together with them we analyse policy making: how do issues enter the agenda, the role of policy brokers and events.

We discuss how policy formulation is both an analytical process as well as a political. We ask questions why most policies only change incrementally, even when large changes are needed for sustainable development.

In the course the participants will use tools and frameworks to analyse processes and content of policy and apply it to their own case. During the course we evaluate and study policy plan itself and the process of making and implementation.

Topics addressed in the course are:

  • Policy change and stability
  • Policy theories (incl. multiple streams, punctuated equilibrium, advocacy coalitions,)
  • Assessing a policy plan
  • Policy formulation
  • Policy implementation
  • Policy evaluation for impact
  • Policy translation and transfer
  • Policy learning

With this course we aim to create a better understanding of the complexities of policy. How are policies formulated (by who, who decides?). Next, we will study (water) policy plans, to better understand the feasibility of implementation and the role these plans play in policy. We reflect on policy as an interaction of people (implementers and target groups of policy, and others), their policy beliefs, resources and abilities, and motivations and interests. Therefore the participants will also reflect on their own role as water professional in making water policy. We reflect on various approaches to policy learning. First, evaluation for realizing impacts (as learning from implementation), and second, learning from other places (policy transfer and translation).

In the course we will invite professionals involved in water policy planning and implementation to present and discuss their dilemma’s in water policy. Throughout the course the participants will present and discuss their work (analysis of their case) to each other.

Lorraine Vusha Buluku with fellow Water Policy short course participants
The course was very enlightening and useful as it introduced water policy in a simple but comprehensive way. Throughout the course the participants were actively involved in discussions, presentations and practical assignments.
Lorraine Vusha Buluku, Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Kenya

Testimonials

The first edition of this course was held in January 2022, read about the experiences of the course participants below.

  • What do others say?

    The course was very enlightening and useful as it introduced water policy in a simple but comprehensive way. Throughout the course we were actively involved in discussions, presentations and practical / hands-on assignments. In addition, we presented and discussed our own dilemma’s in water policy, we also presented and discussed our case studies with each other in relation to water policy. Furthermore, it was a good experience learning from the water management case studies in the Netherlands and other parts of the world. I would highly recommend the course to all water professionals.

    Lorraine Vusha Buluku, Geologist/Senior Transboundary Water Resources Officer at Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Kenya

    Attending this short course at IHE Delft was an exceptional experience that left a profound impact on me. The lessons I learned have proven immensely valuable for my work in Indonesia.

    I now understand the significance of prioritizing sustainability when formulating water policies. Involving multiple stakeholders and addressing root causes are essential steps to ensure effective policy-making. Moreover, I've come to appreciate the importance of exploring future possibilities to create lasting solutions for the well-being of future generations. This new perspective has positively influenced my role as a policy maker at Giri Menang Water Utility. I've enthusiastically shared these insights with my colleagues and through Indonesia's water magazine, Majalah Air Minum.

    I wholeheartedly recommend this course to all water sector practitioners. The knowledge and experience gained here are universally applicable and can significantly improve water management practices in any country.

    Indah Paramita, Giri Menang Water Utility, Indonesia

    The course greatly benefited my career aspirations in environmental management and policy advocacy. It provided valuable insights into water policy concepts, with interactive content and diverse perspectives from experienced tutors and colleagues. I plan to use this knowledge to contribute meaningfully to water resource management in my home country and raise awareness. The course delved into policy analysis, implementation, and engagement with stakeholders, sharing valuable frameworks and experiences from various countries.

    I learned that policy-making is complex, involving multiple actors and research-based decision-making. I now recognize the importance of constant policy review to meet people's needs. I highly recommend this water policy course: the course enriches leadership skills, fosters international networking, and opens up new opportunities for career advancement.

    Milton W. Kainyander, Team lead for FAO/IrishAid project on Women's customary Land Rights, Sierra Leone

    Participating in the Water Policy Course is my favourite memory of 2023. The design of the course is twofold: to give students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of water policy, especially policy analysis for multi-stakeholder systems and to give students the opportunity to share their countries' issues related to water implementation and management through presentations and group discussions.

    I also had a chance to participate in a field visit to the Maeslantkering- a storm surge barrier. The fieldtrip helped me learn more about how the Dutch government manages and controls potential disasters. In addition, this course gave me the opportunity to make lifelong friendships and connections with people from all continents and backgrounds. As a proud alumnus, I highly recommend this course.

    Le Ngoc Phuong Quy, Hue University, Vietnam

    The course proved beneficial for me as a water sector professional working in a water utility. It empowered me as a policy maker, committed to ensuring the successful WASH Policy implementation in the Niger State of Nigeria. By effectively executing this policy, my utility stands to gain financial viability and corporate efficiency.

    One of the highlight of the water policy course is the visit to Maeslant Barrier. The coordinator of the course, Jaap Evers educated us on the story behind the construction of the barrier before the visit. The Maeslant barrier shows the importance of thinking ahead in developing a policy that suits the environment.

    The primary insight I gained is that water service issues are not limited to Africa alone. Other participants shared similar concerns about their government and utility policies in different regions of the world. This exposed me to diverse ideas and approaches adopted by governments across continents to address water policy challenges.

    Salamatu Ibrahim, Niger State Water and Sewage Corporation, Nigeria

     

    During the course, we delved into various theories surrounding the policy process. Together, we extensively analyzed policy making, the pivotal role of policy brokers, and the impact of significant events on policy development. Throughout the duration of the course, we diligently assessed and studied policy plans, as well as the intricate processes involved in their creation and implementation.

    However, the most memorable and standout moment for me was the visitation to the Maeslant Barrier. This excursion took our learning experience to new heights beyond the confines of the classroom. Witnessing the exceptional expertise of the Dutch in water management and the awe-inspiring work of the engineers was truly incredible. It reinforced the practical application of the concepts we had been studying and left a lasting impression on my understanding of policy implementation and real-world problem-solving.

    Aisha Muhammad, Niger State Water and Sewage Corporation, Nigeria

Course Coordinator

Jaap Evers

Senior Lecturer in Water and Environmental Policy

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